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Old April 30th, 2009, 07:40 PM
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smithduke smithduke is offline
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I think it's time to let my Kitty go....

Hi,

For those of you who know me, it hasn't been a good past couple of months for our precious pets.

Our 21 year old cat, Kitty, had her front, left leg amputated 7 years ago due to cancer and sadly it's returned with a vengeance. Her back left leg has a large tumor on it and it's starting to effect her walking. Recently a tumor behind her eye left has appeared and she can no longer open it. We took her to the vet today and the vet felt that she's in pain. I feel we should let her go as soon as possible because she's just not comfortable but my hubby, bless his heart, just can't do it yet. He wants more time to say goodbye and wants to wait until next Thursday. My husband doesn't think she's in that much pain because she's not crying out and is still eating and walking.

How do you know when it's time in this situation? I'd like to honor my husband wishes, especially since he wants to be the one to take her but I'd hate for Kitty to be in pain.

Thanks so much.
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“What is a man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die form great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man.”—Chief Seattle

“The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different.”—Hippocrates
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Old April 30th, 2009, 10:01 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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Did the vet prescribe any pain meds? If you can find a pain med that works well with few side effects, it may give Kitty enough relief to give your husband the time he wants with her.

When we've faced this decision in the past, quality of life, not quantity of days, takes on primary importance. Each day becomes a blessing and a precious gift. Every morning we ask ourselves the question, "Are we're putting off euthanasia for our sake for for hers?".

If she still takes joy in her surroundings, still eats, still plays, still purrs, and seems comfortable, then perhaps it's not time yet.

If you find, instead, that you're putting it off because you can't live without her or would miss her too much, but she's obviously not enjoying Life any more, then you need to take a deep breath and make that difficult decision.

When it comes time, if you make the decision with love in your heart and Kitty's best interest in mind, you can't go wrong. And if you can find the strength to be with her to the very end to help ease her way across, that's the greatest gift you can give her.

I'm so sorry you and your husband are going through this. It's never easy and my heart goes out to you.

Kitty
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Old April 30th, 2009, 10:05 PM
WantingToLearn WantingToLearn is offline
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Oh gosh, I am so sorry for what you and your family face. Keeping you all in my thoughts.


Last edited by WantingToLearn; April 30th, 2009 at 10:06 PM. Reason: surprisingly ...spelling
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  #4  
Old May 1st, 2009, 06:48 AM
Jim Hall Jim Hall is offline
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it is one of the hardest things do to and may sympathied to you
I cant relly add anythong to hazel's post ty haz

personally, I regard helping a cherished soul to an easy passage to the next life both a privelege and a duty.
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Old May 1st, 2009, 06:56 AM
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Hazel has given you some great thoughts.

My thoughts are with you and your family, I know this is very tough decision.
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Old May 1st, 2009, 07:20 AM
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Iggette Iggette is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Hall View Post
personally, I regard helping a cherished soul to an easy passage to the next life both a privelege and a duty.
I have to agree!!

Also agree about the statement made on quality of life.... if your cat is obviously not well....then it is time you have to make that unselfish decision.

Either way sorry you are going through this :sad: it is a very hard decision indeed

*Hugs for Kitty* and for her parents
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Old May 1st, 2009, 08:08 AM
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Nothing much to add to everyones advice,I've had to make the very difficult decision several times.
The only thing that matters right now is your cats quality of life,cats/dogs are masters at hiding pain,your cat might be more uncomfortable than you think:sad:
The final selfless desicion should be made out of love for your cat and to allow her a peaceful passing,so sorry
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Old May 1st, 2009, 03:25 PM
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smithduke smithduke is offline
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I agree with Hazel's advice but unfortunately my hubby just can't let go yet. My feeling is that Kitty is uncomfortable and it's selfish not letting her pass on peacefully and cross over to kittenhood again. She only weighs 5 pounds now but is still eating, ravenously. That's a good sign.

The vet we saw was a new vet in the practice. I called this morning and spoke to our regular vet and he said he'll put her on some Metacam. Interestingly enough, he said that the other vet is quick to recommend euthanization. My feeling is that she won't be there very long because he's very particular about that kind of thing.

Thanks for your advice and hugs.
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“What is a man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die form great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man.”—Chief Seattle

“The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different.”—Hippocrates
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Old May 1st, 2009, 03:51 PM
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chico2 chico2 is offline
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Smithduke,I had a kitty with cancer(peppi)hubby adored him,did not want him put to sleep,one morning however,Peppi was crying in pain,I called my vet and said I am coming with Peppi.
When my husband woke up(he worked nights)he asked where Peppi was,I pointed him to the carrier outside on the deck,where Peppi was.
Yes,he got very upset,had a quiet moment with Peppi,then buried him in a special place in our backyard.
Maybe your kitty will have some more time with pain-meds,Peppi did not,he was also diabetic.
I understand the love your husband has for your cat,we did too for all our cats and still do,we wish we never had to make the life/death decision,but unfortunately it's all up to us.
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Old May 2nd, 2009, 10:47 PM
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smithduke smithduke is offline
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Chico, believe me, I've thought about doing what you did. Thankfully, hubby has realized that Kitty can't wait any longer so he's going to take her tomorrow. She's deserves to be pain-free. You're a very brave and kind-hearted person to do what you did for your Peppi!

Kitty is my first cat and I'm going to miss her dearly. It's been very hard to lose three wonderful pets in one months time and I hope we're going to be ok, for at least awhile. Still, we're blessed to have had our cats for 20+ years.

Thanks to all for your support!
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“What is a man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die form great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man.”—Chief Seattle

“The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different.”—Hippocrates
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  #11  
Old May 2nd, 2009, 10:59 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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s for you and for your kind-hearted hubby. And a for sweet Kitty!
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"We are--each of us--dying; it's how we live in the meantime that makes the difference."

"It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived!"

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
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  #12  
Old May 3rd, 2009, 07:28 AM
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chico2 chico2 is offline
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Three pets lost in one month,I certainly feel for you:sad:
Smithduke,give your husband a big hug,it's going to be very difficult for him,but Kitty will be at peace,no more pain
She is a lucky girl to have had 20 wonderful yrs with you and your husband
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Old May 3rd, 2009, 01:31 PM
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Such a hard decision to make. :sad: All I can say is to enjoy every minute you have left with her. Take lots of pics so you can have them for later when you are ready. Our thoughts are with you.

This is one of my favourite poems. Very true and may help your husband understand.

MAY I GO

by Susan A. Jackson

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Dedicated to everyone who has ever had to put down a beloved pet.

Author: Susan A. Jackson
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